When October finally rolls around and that old chill appears n the air then I know you’re going to be thinking of chowder just like I was this week! This recipe, from Southern Living Magazine, luckily popped up perfectly timed for my chowder craving ways recently. I did tinker with the recipe somewhat, using heavy cream instead of half-n-half and adding pieces of sliced ham for extra flavor. The original Southern Living recipe list below is so easy to adjust for ingredients that you have on hand, or you can try it “as is”. Either way you won’t be disappointed.

If you are adding ham, cook it with the corn when you first begin. The potatoes and broth need only 10 minutes of simmering with the reserved corn cobs; adding them to the broth produces that extra savory flavor which makes this dish so special. Pureeing some of the chowder in your blender and adding it back to the pot also supplies texture before finishing with cream poured over and stirred in. It’s a multi-layered fusion of flavor in just one pot. Delicious!

It will definitely be worth an hour of your time to prepare the vegetables and start right in on this hearty chowder. Don’t make it early or let it sit too long; it is best served up while still warm without reheating. Heat any leftovers slowly, adding cream, as needed. Today it was good with the croutons I used but my guess is that a skillet full of cornbread is the best side dish for hungry appetites. I feel sure that whatever you serve with it, or however you follow the recipe, this chowder will leave you and your friends and family satisfied and smiling! Added bonus? A chilly Fall evening will be immediately warmed, and welcomed! =)